Foresters Open Up Crossroads Play With Sweep of USF
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Huntington (IN) (8-3, 1-0) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
|
Saint Francis (Ind.) (7-6, 0-1) | 19 | 22 | 20 | 0 |
Fort Wayne, Ind. - The Huntington University volleyball team has started the 2024 season by winning eight of their first 11 matches, but opening league play with a win is something that brings a bit more excitement for Coach Kelsey Herber's squad. On Wednesday, the Foresters made the quick trip to the University of Saint Francis and came home with a sweep of the Cougars (25-19, 25-22, 25-20).
The first set of the night was tied at seven before a three point run gave HU a lead they would carry to the 25-19 opening set win. HU fell behind 12-17 in the second set, but there was no panic as the Foresters battled back to tie things up at 21. Kills by Maisyn Robrock and Kortney Grimm put the finishing touches on the comeback win in set two. In the third set, Leah Carter slammed the door on Saint Francis with a block to send HU home with the match win.
Grimm led a balanced offensive attack with 10 kills while Haley Kruse and Lauren Ross each had seven on the night. Olivia Krahn contributed two kills from the back row as the Foresters attacked the Saint Francis (7-6, 0-1) defense from all over the court. Defensively, Layla Meyer had 17 digs while Kruse notched 12.
"A conference sweep is always a big deal," exclaimed Herber. "I'm proud of our confident and competitive play, as well as how we fought our way back after being down in the second set. We will enjoy the win tonight and then we will begin preparation for Bethel on Saturday."
The Foresters (8-3, 1-0) head to Mishawaka on Saturday to take on the Bethel Pilots. Bethel dropped a tough Crossroads opener in a five set battle with the #22 ranked Cougars of Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Wednesday. The first serve is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 160 NAIA All-America honors and 567 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.